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Books/Volumes by Benjamin De Vos

Research paper thumbnail of In Search of Truth in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies: New Approaches to a Philosophical and Rhetorical Novel of Late Antiquity (edited by Benjamin M.J. De Vos and Danny Praet)

Published in English. The contributors of this volume set out to explore some new approaches to ... more Published in English.
The contributors of this volume set out to explore some new approaches to the fourth-century Christian novel traditionally known as the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies or Klementia . They raise and answer questions about this narrative by approaching it as an original rhetorical, and philosophical novel. The volume seeks to improve understanding of this text as a late antique novel with its own textual unity. It pays attention both to its literary qualities as well as to the role of rhetorical education, the reception of Sophistic traditions, and ancient philosophy. It includes theological reflections and discusses the role of the Homilistic author, his skills in the field of paideia , and his reflections on truth. In this way, the contributors offer new insights into the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies as a unique novel from late antique Syria.

Veröffentlicht auf Englisch.
Die Autoren des vorliegenden Bandes nähern sich den pseudoklementinischen Homilien oder Klementia als einem originellen rhetorischen und philosophischen Roman aus dem spätantiken Syrien. Sie beleuchten dabei die Rolle der rhetorischen Bildung, sophistischer Traditionen, der antiken Philosophie und der theologischen Diskussionen in dieser Erzählung und ihren Überlegungen zum Begriff der Wahrheit.

Call for Papers by Benjamin De Vos

Research paper thumbnail of Conference Pseudo Clementine Homilies February 25 27

Research paper thumbnail of Call for Papers: The Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. A philosophical and rhetorical novel from Late Antiquity

This conference has been postponed to February 25-27, 2021. This conference wants to bring toget... more This conference has been postponed to February 25-27, 2021.

This conference wants to bring together four fields of study: the ancient novel, ancient philosophy, ancient rhetoric, and Jewish-Christian narrative. We aim to study one Greek novel from different perspectives: the so-called Pseudo-Clementine Homilies.
The conference sets out to explore the intellectual context of this novel and the ways in which the Homilies had an impact on readers in Late Antiquity. By approaching the Homilies as a philosophical and rhetorical work in its own right, the conference seeks not only to improve our understanding of the Homilies as a late ancient novel, but also the role of philosophy and rhetoric in the religious narratives of Late Antiquity. We welcome studies on
1. the role of philosophy in the Homilies: e.g. the presentation of Christianity as the true philosophy, the influence of Plato, the Sophists, and other philosophical traditions in the Homilies.
2. rhetorical techniques used in the numerous disputations within the novel and in the characterisation of the main protagonists, and
3. novelistic topoi as structural elements: the function of novelistic motives in the Homilies …

Journal Articles by Benjamin De Vos

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Filosofie van de Spannende Aanwezigheid: Ben Schomakers en Herakleitos' Aforismen," Kleio. Tijdschrift voor oude talen en antieke cultuur, 2024 (https://www.kleiotijdschrift.net/extra#/recensies).

https://www.kleiotijdschrift.net/extra#/recensies

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M.J. De Vos, "Dominique Côté's Journey in Pseudo-Clementine Scholarship: A Path of Gentle Confrontation and Paideutic Innovation," Annali di Storia dell'Esegesi 41.1 (2024), 133-144.

This review article discusses Dominique Côté’s innovative insights into Pseudo-Clementine scholar... more This review article discusses Dominique Côté’s innovative insights into Pseudo-Clementine scholarship over the past 25 years. These insights have recently been collected in his edited volume, "Pseudo-Clément et Vrai Prophète. Itinéraire d’Athènes à Jérusalem". My brief discussion is not so much a discussion of his "Itinéraire d’Athènes à Jérusalem" as such, but rather a reconsideration of the original aspects of Côté’s own itinerary in Pseudo-Clementine scholarship. In the past century, much attention has been paid to complex source-critical theories and hypotheses of second-century, even first-century, (Jewish)Christian sources that potentially, but implausibly, underlie the various traditions. These possible reconstructions did not reveal much of the extant Pseudo-Clementines as such, but were rather quests to uncover the earliest but hypothetical foundations of Christianity that scholars believed were hidden in the supposedly less original extant versions. The original voices of the various Pseudo-Clementine traditions have still not been fully heard, especially in the fields of rhetorical, literary, and philosophical studies. It is precisely here that Côté has laid a strong foundation for future scholarship on the Pseudo-Clementines, especially with regard to late ancient Neoplatonic philosophy in dialogue with Jewish and Christian philosophical and religious voices.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M.J. De Vos, "Living Philosophical Fiction: Plato's Myth of Er in the Clementina," Hermathena. A Trinity College Dublin Review 207 (Winter 2019), 2024 53-84.

Research paper thumbnail of "De (her)geboorte van de kosmos en het 'wetende Ik'. Archaïsche filosofie en de conceptuele revolutie(s) van Anaximander van Milete, Prora 29.2 (2024) 4-15.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M. J. De Vos, "Maestro Plato: de meesterlijke mythevervlechter van de menselijke tragiek", De Reactor (2024): online.

De Reactor, 2024

https://www.dereactor.org/teksten/de-mythen-van-plato

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Willen de epicuristen en stoïcijnen opstaan? Antieke zelfhulp in een modern jasje," Kleio - Tijdschrift Oude Talen en Antieke Cultuur (2023): 1-9.

Klimaatverandering, zware aardbevingen, oorlogen, epidemieën… de weg naar innerlijke zielsrust ve... more Klimaatverandering, zware aardbevingen, oorlogen, epidemieën… de weg naar innerlijke zielsrust verloopt niet zonder slag of stoot, en we hebben het geweten. In de betere boekhandel staan de schappen van 'filosofie', 'spiritualiteit' en 'psychologie' steeds boller van zelfhulpboeken. Daarbij is een specifiek niche van zelfhulpboeken gebaseerd op de antieke Griekse en Romeinse filosofie. Dat is niet verwonderlijk natuurlijk. Zo reflecteerden de Atheense 'Grote Drie', Socrates, Plato en Aristoteles, over wat het betekende een goed en gelukkig leven te leiden en hoe men dit kon verwerven. Het ethische project, met name dan innerlijke vrijheid of autarkeia, kwam nog sterker centraal te staan in de hellenistische filosofische stromingen, zoals het epicurisme, stoïcisme en het cynisme. Theoretische inzichten in de mens, de natuur en het goddelijke stonden in teken van een filosofisch, ethisch levensproject. Moderne interpretatoren trachten die gesofisticeerde antieke zelfhulp te actualiseren voor de hedendaagse levensproblemen en-inzichten. Een belangrijke impuls hiervoor komt vanuit de academische wereld. Verschillende Griekse en Romeinse wijsgeren en

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Theater van de Bijtende Kritiek? Diogenes en het Cynisme," De Reactor (2023): online.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Plato's Phaedrus and Symposium in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies," Zeitschrift für Antikes Christentum/Journal of Ancient Christianity (2023) 27(1):102-146.

Research paper thumbnail of The Disputes between Appion and Clement in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies: A Narrative and Rhetorical Approach to the Structure of Hom. 6

Ancient Narrative

First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) a structural and rhetorical reading of the debat... more First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) a structural and rhetorical reading of the debates on the third day between Clement and Appion in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies (Hom. 6) and shows that there is a well-considered rhetorical ring structure in their disputes. Connected with this first point (2), the suggested reading will unravel how Clement and Appion use and manipulate their sophisticated rhetoric, linked to this particular structure. This is well worth considering since these debates deal with Greek paideia, which means culture and above all education, of which rhetorical education forms part. The rhetorical features will be displayed as a fine product of the rhetorical and even sophistic background in Late Antiquity. Clement, moreover, will present himself as a master in rhetoric against Appion, who is presented as a sophist and grammarian in the novel. Finally (3), the focus on the narrative structure of and the rhetorical dynamics in Hom. 6. will contribute to a ...

Research paper thumbnail of Achilles as an Allegorical Anti-Adam in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies

Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies, 2021

You can read the paper via: https://grbs.library.duke.edu/issue/view/2296 This article deals wi... more You can read the paper via: https://grbs.library.duke.edu/issue/view/2296

This article deals with a late ancient and highly distinctive take on the Genesis story found in the so-called Pseudo-Clementine Homilies or Klementia. It is the extant Greek version of the Pseudo-Clementine narrative, regarded by many scholars as the only surviving Christian novel from fourth-century Syria. In one of the many disputes in this rhetorical and philosophical-religious novel, the protagonists Clement and Appion discuss allegorical interpretations of Greek myths. Among those is the story of the Greek hero Achilles and the Trojan princess Polyxena, which, I argue, is told in a way that evokes the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. This evocation is deeply sophisticated and playful. The mythological framework of the birth and death of Achilles and his love for Polyxena is allegorically associated with the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. Moreover, it interacts with the peculiar interpretation of the Genesis story by the apostle Peter in the rest of the Homilies. In contrast to many Jewish and Christian views, he acquits Adam of original sin in human history. Here I analyze this double approach to the Genesis story (Achilles and Adam) and its role within the narrative framework.

Research paper thumbnail of The Disputes between Appion and Clement in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. A Narrative and Rhetorical Approach to the Structure of Hom. 6.

Ancient Narrative, 2019

https://ancientnarrative.com/article/view/35752 First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) ... more https://ancientnarrative.com/article/view/35752
First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) a structural and rhetorical reading of the debates on the third day between Clement and Appion in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies (Hom. 6) and shows that there is a well-considered rhetorical ring structure in their disputes. Connected with this first point (2), the suggested reading will unravel how Clement and Appion use and manipulate their sophisticated rhetoric, linked to this particular structure. This is well worth considering since these debates deal with Greek paideia, which means culture and above all education, of which rhetorical education forms part. The rhetorical features will be displayed as a fine product of the rhetorical and even sophistic background in Late Antiquity. Clement, moreover, will present himself as a master in rhetoric against Appion, who is presented as a sophist and grammarian in the novel. Finally (3), the focus on the narrative structure of and the rhetorical dynamics in Hom. 6. will contribute to a better understanding of these disputes between Appion and Clement (Hom. 4-6) and their function in the novel generally.

Research paper thumbnail of (The Pseudo-Clementine Homilies) The Role of the Homilistic Disputes with Appion (Hom. 4-6)

Vigiliae Christianae 73 (54-88), 2019

https://brill.com/view/journals/vc/73/1/vc.73.issue-1.xml The Pseudo-Clementines is the traditi... more https://brill.com/view/journals/vc/73/1/vc.73.issue-1.xml

The Pseudo-Clementines is the traditional title of a unique Christian novel (3rd4th century) transmitted in several versions. This article focuses on the Greek version,
called the Homilies, and more specifically on a much discussed part of these, namely the discussions with the pagan Appion. The passage in which the main character
Clement enters into discussion with Appion shows us how those characters claim
truth and argue about true culture, philosophy, education, sexuality etc.. This passage
is all too often considered as “separate” and “alien” in Pseudo-Clementine source criticism, making it underexposed territory in rhetorical and literary but also philosophical
research. This contribution offers a rhetorical and narrative analysis of those disputes
with Appion including some philosophical insights. This analysis also serves as a case
study for the overall reading experience and the general interpretation of the PseudoClementine Homilies.

Research paper thumbnail of De humanistische gebroeders Van Eyck en de antieke tradities: Vergilius, Augustinus en de Sibillen op het Lam Gods

Research paper thumbnail of Interview met Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer: 'Mythen stinken naar mensen'

Research paper thumbnail of Retoriek en dialectiek in de Pseudo-Clementinen. De zoektocht naar de ware 'Sophia' in de disputen met Appion.

Pseudo-Clementinen De zoektocht naar de ware 'sophia' in de disputen met Appion BENJAMIN DE VOS D... more Pseudo-Clementinen De zoektocht naar de ware 'sophia' in de disputen met Appion BENJAMIN DE VOS De Pseudo-Clementinen pretenderen het leven weer te geven van Clemens van Rome, zijn bekering tot het christendom, zijn reizen, contacten met Barnabas en vooral met Petrus, en de hereniging met zijn verloren gewaande familieleden, vanuit het autobiografische standpunt van Clemens. 1 Deze ikvertellende Clemens mogen we niet gelijk stellen aan de historische Clemens. 2 Deze laatste is een van de belangrijkste figuren uit de 1 ste eeuw van het vroege christendom. Volgens de 2 de -eeuwse kerkvader Irenaeus (Adversus Haereses, III.3.3) en de 3 de /4 de -eeuwse kerkhistoricus Eusebius van Caesarea (Historia Ecclesiastica, III.4.9; III.155) is Clemens de derde opvolger van Petrus als bisschop van Rome. In de Pseudo-Clementinen echter wordt hij als directe volgeling en opvolger van Petrus beschreven. Clemens is in de Pseudo-Clementinen dan ook een literair personage, gekaderd in een specifiek retorisch opzet. Beschouwd als de eerste christelijke roman kent dit werk een grote complexiteit en is het eigenlijk niet zomaar bij een bepaald genre onder te brengen. Naast de pretenties als autobiografie, fungeren de Pseudo-Clementinen als een christelijke 'Bildungsroman'. Als lezer volgen we de bekering en het volwassen worden van Clemens in een christelijke wereld. Tegelijkertijd wil dit werk de lezer bijsturen waar nodig en iets leren door die bepaalde wereld en bijbehorende kennis aan te reiken. Het werk deelt daarenboven plotstructuren met de Griekse romans zoals Charitons Callirhoë 1 Voor dit artikel baseer ik me op enkele conclusies van mijn masterthesis 'Retoriek, narrativiteit en fictionalisering in de Apiondisputationen. In het oog van de Pseudo-Clementijnse waarheidsvortex.' (2016 -promotor: prof. dr. Koen De Temmerman, co-promotor: prof. dr. Danny Praet). 2 Het enige algemeen authentiek geachte werk van Clemens Romanus is een brief aan de Korinthische christengemeenschap. Deze werd geschreven tijdens de vervolging onder keizer Domitianus (95-96) terwijl de kerk van Korinthe ook te lijden had onder interne twisten. Ook paraenetische werken worden soms aan hem toegeschreven zoals een 2 de -eeuwse homilie en 'Brieven aan Maagden' (Schneider et Cirillo (1 ste -2 de eeuw) en Xenophons Ephesiaca (3 de eeuw). Zo heeft het motief van de 'anagnorismos' of herkenning, meer bepaald van verloren gewaande familieleden, een centrale rol in de narratieve opbouw van het Pseudo-Clementijnse corpus net als in de Griekse romans. De Pseudo-Clementinen moeten ook in het licht van de apocriefe apostelakten gelezen worden, zoals de Handelingen van Johannes en die van Thomas, Andreas, Petrus en Paulus. Deze niet tot de Bijbelse canon behorende Handelingen verhalen over tochten, wonderen en predikingen van de gelijknamige personages. Zo kan men ook de Pseudo-Clementinen zien als de 'handelingen van Clemens en Petrus'. Daarenboven is het werk ook te kaderen binnen de Tweede Sofistiek, een culturele stroming uit de eerste eeuwen na Christus, zoals ik nog nader zal verklaren, en binnen het Syrisch Neoplatonisme, waar ik niet verder op inga. Dit complexe generische karakter van de tekst gaat gepaard met een interessante narratieve opbouw. Op intratekstueel niveau speelt zich een heus raamwerk van discussies af tussen de apostel Petrus en Simon Magus, de 'vader' van de gnostische sekten 3 en tussen Clemens, volger van Petrus, en de heiden Appion 4 , die zich in het gevolg van Simon Magus bevindt. De opbouw van bepaalde discussies en van het raamwerk errond wordt door allerlei misleidende situaties bepaald, onder meer door het aannemen van andere 'retorische' gedaantes, of zelfs letterlijk, het aannemen van andere lichamelijke gedaantes. Deze complexiteit op formeel en thematisch niveau zorgde ervoor dat dit werk in de 19 de eeuw ten onrechte werd aanzien als een potpourri van verschillende aaneengeflanste bronnen. Eenzelfde lot kenden ook andere, laatantieke romans als Apuleius' De Gouden Ezel en Philostratus' Leven en werken van Apollonius van Tyana. De Pseudo-Clementinen vallen in twee grote tradities uiteen: de Recognitio (ook wel in het meervoud aangeduid als Recognitiones) en Homilieën (of Klementia). De oorspronkelijk in het Grieks geschreven Recognitio legt meer nadruk op het narratieve raamwerk van herkenningen ('recognitiones') van familieleden. Van deze versie zijn maar enkele Griekse fragmenten bewaard. Daarnaast is een deel van deze variant in een Syrische vertaling van de Pseudo-Clementinen opgenomen. In het Westen is voornamelijk de Latijnse adaptatie 5 van Rufinus Aquileiensis bekend. Die valt te dateren voor 406 en is iets ouder dan de Syrische versie. De traditie van de Homilieën is echter meer 3 Simon Magus wordt als de eerste gnostische systeembouwer beschouwd (Jonas 1969: 119-127). Deze relatie met gnosis vinden we reeds terug bij Irenaeus (Adversus Haereses, I.23.4 en VI.33). Naar Simon is trouwens de gnostische sekte der Simonianen genoemd. 4 Voor alle duidelijkheid: 'Apion' verwijst naar het historische personage en 'Appion' naar de narratieve figuur in deze Homilieën (Bremmer 2010b: 80-81 en Carleton Paget 2010: 440, noot 44).

Book Chapters by Benjamin De Vos

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, Paideia, Plato’s Sophist and the Pseudo-Clementines: Simon Magus’s Characterisation in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. In David Hamidovic, Eleonora Serra, and Philippe Therrien (eds.), The Reception of Biblical Figures. Essays in Method, Brepols: Turnhout, 2024, 187-222.

This volume explores the reception of biblical figures in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with a... more This volume explores the reception of biblical figures in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with a particular focus on Antiquity and incursions in the Middle Ages and modernity. The contributions included here offer a glimpse of the complexity of the mechanics of transmission to which these figures were subjected in extra-biblical texts, either concentrating on one author or corpus in particular, or broadening the scope across time and cultural contexts. The volume intends to shed light on how these biblical figures and their legacies appear as channels of collective memory and identity; how they became tools for authors to achieve specific goals; how they gained new and powerful authority for communities; and how they transcend traditions and cultural boundaries. As a result, the vitality and fluidity of the developments of traditions become clear and prompt caution when using modern categories. https://www.brepols.net/products/IS-9782503600765-1

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Het Duivelspact en de dorst naar kennis", in Danny Praet (ed.), "SATAN. Een geschiedenis van de Duivel.", Borgerhoff & Lamberigts, 2024, 105-130.

Research paper thumbnail of In Search of Truth in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies: New Approaches to a Philosophical and Rhetorical Novel of Late Antiquity (edited by Benjamin M.J. De Vos and Danny Praet)

Published in English. The contributors of this volume set out to explore some new approaches to ... more Published in English.
The contributors of this volume set out to explore some new approaches to the fourth-century Christian novel traditionally known as the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies or Klementia . They raise and answer questions about this narrative by approaching it as an original rhetorical, and philosophical novel. The volume seeks to improve understanding of this text as a late antique novel with its own textual unity. It pays attention both to its literary qualities as well as to the role of rhetorical education, the reception of Sophistic traditions, and ancient philosophy. It includes theological reflections and discusses the role of the Homilistic author, his skills in the field of paideia , and his reflections on truth. In this way, the contributors offer new insights into the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies as a unique novel from late antique Syria.

Veröffentlicht auf Englisch.
Die Autoren des vorliegenden Bandes nähern sich den pseudoklementinischen Homilien oder Klementia als einem originellen rhetorischen und philosophischen Roman aus dem spätantiken Syrien. Sie beleuchten dabei die Rolle der rhetorischen Bildung, sophistischer Traditionen, der antiken Philosophie und der theologischen Diskussionen in dieser Erzählung und ihren Überlegungen zum Begriff der Wahrheit.

Research paper thumbnail of Conference Pseudo Clementine Homilies February 25 27

Research paper thumbnail of Call for Papers: The Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. A philosophical and rhetorical novel from Late Antiquity

This conference has been postponed to February 25-27, 2021. This conference wants to bring toget... more This conference has been postponed to February 25-27, 2021.

This conference wants to bring together four fields of study: the ancient novel, ancient philosophy, ancient rhetoric, and Jewish-Christian narrative. We aim to study one Greek novel from different perspectives: the so-called Pseudo-Clementine Homilies.
The conference sets out to explore the intellectual context of this novel and the ways in which the Homilies had an impact on readers in Late Antiquity. By approaching the Homilies as a philosophical and rhetorical work in its own right, the conference seeks not only to improve our understanding of the Homilies as a late ancient novel, but also the role of philosophy and rhetoric in the religious narratives of Late Antiquity. We welcome studies on
1. the role of philosophy in the Homilies: e.g. the presentation of Christianity as the true philosophy, the influence of Plato, the Sophists, and other philosophical traditions in the Homilies.
2. rhetorical techniques used in the numerous disputations within the novel and in the characterisation of the main protagonists, and
3. novelistic topoi as structural elements: the function of novelistic motives in the Homilies …

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Filosofie van de Spannende Aanwezigheid: Ben Schomakers en Herakleitos' Aforismen," Kleio. Tijdschrift voor oude talen en antieke cultuur, 2024 (https://www.kleiotijdschrift.net/extra#/recensies).

https://www.kleiotijdschrift.net/extra#/recensies

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M.J. De Vos, "Dominique Côté's Journey in Pseudo-Clementine Scholarship: A Path of Gentle Confrontation and Paideutic Innovation," Annali di Storia dell'Esegesi 41.1 (2024), 133-144.

This review article discusses Dominique Côté’s innovative insights into Pseudo-Clementine scholar... more This review article discusses Dominique Côté’s innovative insights into Pseudo-Clementine scholarship over the past 25 years. These insights have recently been collected in his edited volume, "Pseudo-Clément et Vrai Prophète. Itinéraire d’Athènes à Jérusalem". My brief discussion is not so much a discussion of his "Itinéraire d’Athènes à Jérusalem" as such, but rather a reconsideration of the original aspects of Côté’s own itinerary in Pseudo-Clementine scholarship. In the past century, much attention has been paid to complex source-critical theories and hypotheses of second-century, even first-century, (Jewish)Christian sources that potentially, but implausibly, underlie the various traditions. These possible reconstructions did not reveal much of the extant Pseudo-Clementines as such, but were rather quests to uncover the earliest but hypothetical foundations of Christianity that scholars believed were hidden in the supposedly less original extant versions. The original voices of the various Pseudo-Clementine traditions have still not been fully heard, especially in the fields of rhetorical, literary, and philosophical studies. It is precisely here that Côté has laid a strong foundation for future scholarship on the Pseudo-Clementines, especially with regard to late ancient Neoplatonic philosophy in dialogue with Jewish and Christian philosophical and religious voices.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M.J. De Vos, "Living Philosophical Fiction: Plato's Myth of Er in the Clementina," Hermathena. A Trinity College Dublin Review 207 (Winter 2019), 2024 53-84.

Research paper thumbnail of "De (her)geboorte van de kosmos en het 'wetende Ik'. Archaïsche filosofie en de conceptuele revolutie(s) van Anaximander van Milete, Prora 29.2 (2024) 4-15.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M. J. De Vos, "Maestro Plato: de meesterlijke mythevervlechter van de menselijke tragiek", De Reactor (2024): online.

De Reactor, 2024

https://www.dereactor.org/teksten/de-mythen-van-plato

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Willen de epicuristen en stoïcijnen opstaan? Antieke zelfhulp in een modern jasje," Kleio - Tijdschrift Oude Talen en Antieke Cultuur (2023): 1-9.

Klimaatverandering, zware aardbevingen, oorlogen, epidemieën… de weg naar innerlijke zielsrust ve... more Klimaatverandering, zware aardbevingen, oorlogen, epidemieën… de weg naar innerlijke zielsrust verloopt niet zonder slag of stoot, en we hebben het geweten. In de betere boekhandel staan de schappen van 'filosofie', 'spiritualiteit' en 'psychologie' steeds boller van zelfhulpboeken. Daarbij is een specifiek niche van zelfhulpboeken gebaseerd op de antieke Griekse en Romeinse filosofie. Dat is niet verwonderlijk natuurlijk. Zo reflecteerden de Atheense 'Grote Drie', Socrates, Plato en Aristoteles, over wat het betekende een goed en gelukkig leven te leiden en hoe men dit kon verwerven. Het ethische project, met name dan innerlijke vrijheid of autarkeia, kwam nog sterker centraal te staan in de hellenistische filosofische stromingen, zoals het epicurisme, stoïcisme en het cynisme. Theoretische inzichten in de mens, de natuur en het goddelijke stonden in teken van een filosofisch, ethisch levensproject. Moderne interpretatoren trachten die gesofisticeerde antieke zelfhulp te actualiseren voor de hedendaagse levensproblemen en-inzichten. Een belangrijke impuls hiervoor komt vanuit de academische wereld. Verschillende Griekse en Romeinse wijsgeren en

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Theater van de Bijtende Kritiek? Diogenes en het Cynisme," De Reactor (2023): online.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Plato's Phaedrus and Symposium in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies," Zeitschrift für Antikes Christentum/Journal of Ancient Christianity (2023) 27(1):102-146.

Research paper thumbnail of The Disputes between Appion and Clement in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies: A Narrative and Rhetorical Approach to the Structure of Hom. 6

Ancient Narrative

First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) a structural and rhetorical reading of the debat... more First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) a structural and rhetorical reading of the debates on the third day between Clement and Appion in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies (Hom. 6) and shows that there is a well-considered rhetorical ring structure in their disputes. Connected with this first point (2), the suggested reading will unravel how Clement and Appion use and manipulate their sophisticated rhetoric, linked to this particular structure. This is well worth considering since these debates deal with Greek paideia, which means culture and above all education, of which rhetorical education forms part. The rhetorical features will be displayed as a fine product of the rhetorical and even sophistic background in Late Antiquity. Clement, moreover, will present himself as a master in rhetoric against Appion, who is presented as a sophist and grammarian in the novel. Finally (3), the focus on the narrative structure of and the rhetorical dynamics in Hom. 6. will contribute to a ...

Research paper thumbnail of Achilles as an Allegorical Anti-Adam in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies

Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies, 2021

You can read the paper via: https://grbs.library.duke.edu/issue/view/2296 This article deals wi... more You can read the paper via: https://grbs.library.duke.edu/issue/view/2296

This article deals with a late ancient and highly distinctive take on the Genesis story found in the so-called Pseudo-Clementine Homilies or Klementia. It is the extant Greek version of the Pseudo-Clementine narrative, regarded by many scholars as the only surviving Christian novel from fourth-century Syria. In one of the many disputes in this rhetorical and philosophical-religious novel, the protagonists Clement and Appion discuss allegorical interpretations of Greek myths. Among those is the story of the Greek hero Achilles and the Trojan princess Polyxena, which, I argue, is told in a way that evokes the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. This evocation is deeply sophisticated and playful. The mythological framework of the birth and death of Achilles and his love for Polyxena is allegorically associated with the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. Moreover, it interacts with the peculiar interpretation of the Genesis story by the apostle Peter in the rest of the Homilies. In contrast to many Jewish and Christian views, he acquits Adam of original sin in human history. Here I analyze this double approach to the Genesis story (Achilles and Adam) and its role within the narrative framework.

Research paper thumbnail of The Disputes between Appion and Clement in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. A Narrative and Rhetorical Approach to the Structure of Hom. 6.

Ancient Narrative, 2019

https://ancientnarrative.com/article/view/35752 First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) ... more https://ancientnarrative.com/article/view/35752
First and foremost, this contribution offers (1) a structural and rhetorical reading of the debates on the third day between Clement and Appion in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies (Hom. 6) and shows that there is a well-considered rhetorical ring structure in their disputes. Connected with this first point (2), the suggested reading will unravel how Clement and Appion use and manipulate their sophisticated rhetoric, linked to this particular structure. This is well worth considering since these debates deal with Greek paideia, which means culture and above all education, of which rhetorical education forms part. The rhetorical features will be displayed as a fine product of the rhetorical and even sophistic background in Late Antiquity. Clement, moreover, will present himself as a master in rhetoric against Appion, who is presented as a sophist and grammarian in the novel. Finally (3), the focus on the narrative structure of and the rhetorical dynamics in Hom. 6. will contribute to a better understanding of these disputes between Appion and Clement (Hom. 4-6) and their function in the novel generally.

Research paper thumbnail of (The Pseudo-Clementine Homilies) The Role of the Homilistic Disputes with Appion (Hom. 4-6)

Vigiliae Christianae 73 (54-88), 2019

https://brill.com/view/journals/vc/73/1/vc.73.issue-1.xml The Pseudo-Clementines is the traditi... more https://brill.com/view/journals/vc/73/1/vc.73.issue-1.xml

The Pseudo-Clementines is the traditional title of a unique Christian novel (3rd4th century) transmitted in several versions. This article focuses on the Greek version,
called the Homilies, and more specifically on a much discussed part of these, namely the discussions with the pagan Appion. The passage in which the main character
Clement enters into discussion with Appion shows us how those characters claim
truth and argue about true culture, philosophy, education, sexuality etc.. This passage
is all too often considered as “separate” and “alien” in Pseudo-Clementine source criticism, making it underexposed territory in rhetorical and literary but also philosophical
research. This contribution offers a rhetorical and narrative analysis of those disputes
with Appion including some philosophical insights. This analysis also serves as a case
study for the overall reading experience and the general interpretation of the PseudoClementine Homilies.

Research paper thumbnail of De humanistische gebroeders Van Eyck en de antieke tradities: Vergilius, Augustinus en de Sibillen op het Lam Gods

Research paper thumbnail of Interview met Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer: 'Mythen stinken naar mensen'

Research paper thumbnail of Retoriek en dialectiek in de Pseudo-Clementinen. De zoektocht naar de ware 'Sophia' in de disputen met Appion.

Pseudo-Clementinen De zoektocht naar de ware 'sophia' in de disputen met Appion BENJAMIN DE VOS D... more Pseudo-Clementinen De zoektocht naar de ware 'sophia' in de disputen met Appion BENJAMIN DE VOS De Pseudo-Clementinen pretenderen het leven weer te geven van Clemens van Rome, zijn bekering tot het christendom, zijn reizen, contacten met Barnabas en vooral met Petrus, en de hereniging met zijn verloren gewaande familieleden, vanuit het autobiografische standpunt van Clemens. 1 Deze ikvertellende Clemens mogen we niet gelijk stellen aan de historische Clemens. 2 Deze laatste is een van de belangrijkste figuren uit de 1 ste eeuw van het vroege christendom. Volgens de 2 de -eeuwse kerkvader Irenaeus (Adversus Haereses, III.3.3) en de 3 de /4 de -eeuwse kerkhistoricus Eusebius van Caesarea (Historia Ecclesiastica, III.4.9; III.155) is Clemens de derde opvolger van Petrus als bisschop van Rome. In de Pseudo-Clementinen echter wordt hij als directe volgeling en opvolger van Petrus beschreven. Clemens is in de Pseudo-Clementinen dan ook een literair personage, gekaderd in een specifiek retorisch opzet. Beschouwd als de eerste christelijke roman kent dit werk een grote complexiteit en is het eigenlijk niet zomaar bij een bepaald genre onder te brengen. Naast de pretenties als autobiografie, fungeren de Pseudo-Clementinen als een christelijke 'Bildungsroman'. Als lezer volgen we de bekering en het volwassen worden van Clemens in een christelijke wereld. Tegelijkertijd wil dit werk de lezer bijsturen waar nodig en iets leren door die bepaalde wereld en bijbehorende kennis aan te reiken. Het werk deelt daarenboven plotstructuren met de Griekse romans zoals Charitons Callirhoë 1 Voor dit artikel baseer ik me op enkele conclusies van mijn masterthesis 'Retoriek, narrativiteit en fictionalisering in de Apiondisputationen. In het oog van de Pseudo-Clementijnse waarheidsvortex.' (2016 -promotor: prof. dr. Koen De Temmerman, co-promotor: prof. dr. Danny Praet). 2 Het enige algemeen authentiek geachte werk van Clemens Romanus is een brief aan de Korinthische christengemeenschap. Deze werd geschreven tijdens de vervolging onder keizer Domitianus (95-96) terwijl de kerk van Korinthe ook te lijden had onder interne twisten. Ook paraenetische werken worden soms aan hem toegeschreven zoals een 2 de -eeuwse homilie en 'Brieven aan Maagden' (Schneider et Cirillo (1 ste -2 de eeuw) en Xenophons Ephesiaca (3 de eeuw). Zo heeft het motief van de 'anagnorismos' of herkenning, meer bepaald van verloren gewaande familieleden, een centrale rol in de narratieve opbouw van het Pseudo-Clementijnse corpus net als in de Griekse romans. De Pseudo-Clementinen moeten ook in het licht van de apocriefe apostelakten gelezen worden, zoals de Handelingen van Johannes en die van Thomas, Andreas, Petrus en Paulus. Deze niet tot de Bijbelse canon behorende Handelingen verhalen over tochten, wonderen en predikingen van de gelijknamige personages. Zo kan men ook de Pseudo-Clementinen zien als de 'handelingen van Clemens en Petrus'. Daarenboven is het werk ook te kaderen binnen de Tweede Sofistiek, een culturele stroming uit de eerste eeuwen na Christus, zoals ik nog nader zal verklaren, en binnen het Syrisch Neoplatonisme, waar ik niet verder op inga. Dit complexe generische karakter van de tekst gaat gepaard met een interessante narratieve opbouw. Op intratekstueel niveau speelt zich een heus raamwerk van discussies af tussen de apostel Petrus en Simon Magus, de 'vader' van de gnostische sekten 3 en tussen Clemens, volger van Petrus, en de heiden Appion 4 , die zich in het gevolg van Simon Magus bevindt. De opbouw van bepaalde discussies en van het raamwerk errond wordt door allerlei misleidende situaties bepaald, onder meer door het aannemen van andere 'retorische' gedaantes, of zelfs letterlijk, het aannemen van andere lichamelijke gedaantes. Deze complexiteit op formeel en thematisch niveau zorgde ervoor dat dit werk in de 19 de eeuw ten onrechte werd aanzien als een potpourri van verschillende aaneengeflanste bronnen. Eenzelfde lot kenden ook andere, laatantieke romans als Apuleius' De Gouden Ezel en Philostratus' Leven en werken van Apollonius van Tyana. De Pseudo-Clementinen vallen in twee grote tradities uiteen: de Recognitio (ook wel in het meervoud aangeduid als Recognitiones) en Homilieën (of Klementia). De oorspronkelijk in het Grieks geschreven Recognitio legt meer nadruk op het narratieve raamwerk van herkenningen ('recognitiones') van familieleden. Van deze versie zijn maar enkele Griekse fragmenten bewaard. Daarnaast is een deel van deze variant in een Syrische vertaling van de Pseudo-Clementinen opgenomen. In het Westen is voornamelijk de Latijnse adaptatie 5 van Rufinus Aquileiensis bekend. Die valt te dateren voor 406 en is iets ouder dan de Syrische versie. De traditie van de Homilieën is echter meer 3 Simon Magus wordt als de eerste gnostische systeembouwer beschouwd (Jonas 1969: 119-127). Deze relatie met gnosis vinden we reeds terug bij Irenaeus (Adversus Haereses, I.23.4 en VI.33). Naar Simon is trouwens de gnostische sekte der Simonianen genoemd. 4 Voor alle duidelijkheid: 'Apion' verwijst naar het historische personage en 'Appion' naar de narratieve figuur in deze Homilieën (Bremmer 2010b: 80-81 en Carleton Paget 2010: 440, noot 44).

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, Paideia, Plato’s Sophist and the Pseudo-Clementines: Simon Magus’s Characterisation in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. In David Hamidovic, Eleonora Serra, and Philippe Therrien (eds.), The Reception of Biblical Figures. Essays in Method, Brepols: Turnhout, 2024, 187-222.

This volume explores the reception of biblical figures in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with a... more This volume explores the reception of biblical figures in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with a particular focus on Antiquity and incursions in the Middle Ages and modernity. The contributions included here offer a glimpse of the complexity of the mechanics of transmission to which these figures were subjected in extra-biblical texts, either concentrating on one author or corpus in particular, or broadening the scope across time and cultural contexts. The volume intends to shed light on how these biblical figures and their legacies appear as channels of collective memory and identity; how they became tools for authors to achieve specific goals; how they gained new and powerful authority for communities; and how they transcend traditions and cultural boundaries. As a result, the vitality and fluidity of the developments of traditions become clear and prompt caution when using modern categories. https://www.brepols.net/products/IS-9782503600765-1

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Het Duivelspact en de dorst naar kennis", in Danny Praet (ed.), "SATAN. Een geschiedenis van de Duivel.", Borgerhoff & Lamberigts, 2024, 105-130.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M. J. De Vos, "Appendix: Previous Scholarship on the Homilistic, Protean Simon." In David Hamidovic, Eleonora Serra, and Philippe Therrien (eds.), The Reception of Biblical Figures. Essays in Method, Brepols: Turnhout, 2024, 213-222.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M. J. De Vos, From the Dark Platonic Cave to the Vision of Beauty and the Act of ὁμοίωσις θεῷ: The Pseudo-Clementine Homilies as a Late Antique Philosophical Narrative.

In B. M. J. De Vos and D. Praet (eds.), In Search of Truth in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. New Approaches to a Philosophical and Rhetorical Novel of Late Antiquity, Mohr Siebeck: Tübingen, 2022, 221-259., 2022

This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form (beyond that permitted by copyr... more This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form (beyond that permitted by copyright law) without the publisher's written permission. This applies particularly to reproductions, translations and storage and processing in electronic systems. The book was typeset by Martin Fischer in Tübingen using Minion typeface, printed on nonaging paper by Gulde Druck in Tübingen, and bound by Buchbinderei Spinner in Ottersweier.

Research paper thumbnail of B. M. J. De Vos and D. Praet, "The Pseudo-Clementines: Title, Genre and Research Questions." In B. M. J. De Vos and D. Praet (eds.), In Search of Truth in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. New Approaches to a Philosophical and Rhetorical Novel of Late Antiquity, Mohr Siebeck: Tübingen, 2022,  1-36.

Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament, 2. Reihe) The Deutsche Nationalbibliothek l... more Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament, 2. Reihe) The Deutsche Nationalbibliothek lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliographie; detailed bibliographic data are available at http://dnb.dnb.de.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M.J. De Vos, The ‘Pseudo-Clementine Homilies’ and the Art of ‘Fake News’. Deceptions and Dissimulations Aimed at the ‘Gentile’ Audience

In: Pieter D'Hoine, Geert Roskam, Stefan Schorn, Joseph Verheyden (eds.), Polemics and Networking in Graeco-Roman Antiquity [Lectio 12], Brepols: Turnhout, 2021, 423-459., 2021

The Pseudo-Clementines, the only surviving (Jewish-)Christian novel from third-fourth century Syr... more The Pseudo-Clementines, the only surviving (Jewish-)Christian novel from third-fourth century Syria, offer us an autobiographical story of the young Clement of Rome and his search for true knowledge in a strongly polemical world. During his search, he comes across various epistemological methods to attain a certain kind of knowledge such as magic, astrology, and Greek paideia which includes mythology, rhetoric, and philosophy. However, these epistemological forms fail and are rejected in the Pseudo-Clementines as discourses of deceptive, ‘Fake News’. They do not and cannot offer any truth. Only one kind of knowledge counts as the truth: that of God and the so-called True Prophet. This network of different forms of knowledge is the subject of heavy debates in many disputes and rivalries between Peter and Simon Magus, and Clement and Appion. This contribution will analyse two important motives for this search and contest for truth: deception and dissimulation. The intended gentile audiences are specifically troubled by these motives: they find it hard to see and discover the truth. As the True Prophet claims in the Pseudo-Clementines: “The truth does not lie on the surface” (Hom. 3.52). The analysis in this first part deals with the narrative and theological-historiographical level. Secondly, this article shows how these motives link, on the one hand, the role of the audiences/readers within the novel with the implied reader of the novel itself, and, on the other hand, the content of the novel with the literary, novelistic framework.

Research paper thumbnail of The Literary Characterisation of Peter in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. Life-guide, Rhetorician, and Philosopher

Benjamin De Vos, The Literary Characterisation of Peter in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies. Life-guide, Rhetorician, and Philosopher, In: J. Lieu, Peter in the Early Church (BETL 325), 2021, 483-509., 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Pseudo-Clementine Homilies 2.37, 4.3 & 20.13.3 (Spies, Stasi and the Pseudo-Clementines) in: T. Scheijnen and B. Verhelst. 2019. Parels in schrift. Huldeboek voor Marc De Groote. Skribis/Universiteit Gent, 87-90.

A (playful) contribution to the Festschrift for Prof. Dr. Marc De Groote about spies in the Pseud... more A (playful) contribution to the Festschrift for Prof. Dr. Marc De Groote about spies in the Pseudo-Clementine novel.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin M. J. De Vos, The Pseudo-Clementine Homilies as Philosophical Fiction. A Re-evaluation of the Late Antique Christian Novel

Doctoral Dissertation (submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Literary St... more Doctoral Dissertation (submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Literary Studies at Ghent University).

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Chaotische subjecten: Ionische natuurfilosofen" (Nederlands Klassiek Verbond Oost-Vlaanderen, 13 november 2024)

Al van in de 7 de en 6 de eeuw v.o.t. accepteerden de zogenaamde Ionische natuurfilosofen de myth... more Al van in de 7 de en 6 de eeuw v.o.t. accepteerden de zogenaamde Ionische natuurfilosofen de mythologische verhalen niet meer als verklaringsmodellen voor wat er in hun natuurlijke leefwereld gebeurde. Geen Zeus of Poseidon meer met hun onvoorspelbare fratsen die het

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Joods-christelijke traditie. Hoe vreemd is Jeruzalem van Athene?" (School voor Comparatieve Filosofie Antwerpen vzw; 19/10/2024)

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "Joodse & Christelijke filosofen in de late antieke Oudheid" (lezing Cultuurcentrum Scharpoord, donderdag 19 september 2024)

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of the True Prophet in the Klementia: an unexpected journey from “Jewish-Christianity” to Neoplatonism and Islamic Revelation (EASR 2024, 19/08/2024, Gothenborg)

Opening remarks and Plenary sessions are all taking place in room J222 located on the 2nd floor-w... more Opening remarks and Plenary sessions are all taking place in room J222 located on the 2nd floor-when the room is full streaming will be available in rooms J330, C350 and J236.

Research paper thumbnail of Benjamin De Vos, "In Search of Plato's View of the Soul in the Pseudo-Clementine Recognitions" (19th International Conference on Patristic Studies, 08/5-9/2024, Oxford)

Research paper thumbnail of "What does it mean to be ‘Ἕλλην’? The Role of Mattidia in the Greek Pseudo-Clementines and its Metaliterary Reflections on Greek Identity" (Universität Regensburg/Centre for Advanced Studies Beyond Canon__; June 26, 2024)

Fellows' Brunch - Wednesday, June 26 - 10 a.m. - SG 3.14: Benjamin de Vos This week's Fellows' B... more Fellows' Brunch - Wednesday, June 26 - 10 a.m. - SG 3.14: Benjamin de Vos
This week's Fellows' Brunch will be held by Benjamin de Vos, who will present to us his studies on "What does it mean to be ‘Ἕλλην’? The Role of Mattidia in the Greek Pseudo-Clementines and its Metaliterary Reflections on Greek Identity."

If you are not here in person, you can join in via Zoom:
https://uni-regensburg.zoom-x.de/j/63991266705
Meeting-ID: 639 9126 6705

Research paper thumbnail of Het Duivelspact als een streven naar kennis: van het vroege Christendom tot de Verlichting (Online Seminar, Ifese, 28 maart 2024)

Op donderdag 28 maart 2024 spreekt dr. Benjamin De Vos (UGent & UAntwerpen) over "Het Duivelspact... more Op donderdag 28 maart 2024 spreekt dr. Benjamin De Vos (UGent & UAntwerpen) over "Het Duivelspact als een streven naar kennis: van het vroege Christendom tot de Verlichting". De activiteit zal online plaatsvinden en vangt aan om 19.30 uur.
Meer informatie: https://fb.me/e/a0fmnizKU
Inschrijven: https://forms.gle/aDoEAFjAiNZShQeh6

Research paper thumbnail of "Chaos en orde in de kosmos: Enkele (zelf)reflecties van Herakleitos en andere Ionische filosofen"  (Gent/KASK, Dag van de Filosofie, 27 April 2024)

Research paper thumbnail of "'Making a Scene', Peter as Director in the Recognitions" (12-14.12.2023 - King's College London, Strand Campus - Staging Early Christianities. Theatre, Performance and Christians in the Graeco-Roman World)

Research paper thumbnail of "Van Simon de Magiër tot Simon de Sofist: een proteïsch figuur in de Pseudo-Clementijnse Homilieën" (Amersfoort, Stichting Oudchristelijke Studiën, 14/10/2023)

Van Simon de Magiër tot Simon de Sofist: een proteïsch figuur in de Pseudo-Clementijnse Homilieën... more Van Simon de Magiër tot Simon de Sofist: een proteïsch figuur in de Pseudo-Clementijnse Homilieën

Weinig figuren uit het vroege christendom hebben zo tot de verbeelding gesproken als Simon de Magiër. Na zijn eerste optreden in de Handelingen van de Apostelen (8:9-25), waar hij Petrus’ woede ervaart omdat hij de gave van de Heilige Geest meent te kunnen kopen, groeit Simon in de eerste eeuwen van onze tijdsrekening snel uit tot dé aartsketter bij uitstek, het begin van alle heresie en/of het begin van het zogenaamd gnostische gedachtegoed.
Zijn personage kent een hoogst originele uitwerking in de eveneens unieke Pseudo-Clementijnse Homilieën, één van de vierde-eeuwse versies van de eerste (en misschien wel enige) christelijke roman: de Pseudo-Clementijnen. In eerder onderzoek werd dit personage vaak gelinkt aan anti-Simoniaanse, anti-Paulinische, en/of anti-Marcionitische tendensen van deze roman. Mijn lezing zal de homilistische karakterisering van Simon vanuit een andere hoek benaderen: Simon als pepaideumenos en als (falende) sofist. Op deze manier wordt duidelijk dat Simon fungeert als een symbolische tegenstander, niet alleen op vlak van religieus-theologisch gedachtegoed, maar ook op vlak van paideia, waaronder retoriek, sofistiek en filosofie.

Research paper thumbnail of Sommer-Werkstatt "(Pseudo-)Klementinische Literatur (04.-06. September 2023), "Einführung: Pseudo-Klementinische Literatur"

Research paper thumbnail of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7tfWjPXemM  "De Duivel: Het Duivelspact in het vroege Christendom" (10/10/2023; lezingenreeks 'De Duivel. Een Geschiedenis' georganiseerd door het CSCT i.s.m. Liberas en Geuzenhuis)

Research paper thumbnail of Society of Biblical Literature_San Antonio (20/11/2023): Panelist of the Review Panel on "Book Review: In Search of Truth in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies, ed. Benjamin M.J.De Vos and Danny Praet" (Panel: Jewish Christianity/Christian Judaism)

Research paper thumbnail of Society of Biblical Literature_San Antonio (19/11/2023): "Irony and Dissimulatio in the Pseudo-Clementines" (Panel: Rhetoric and Early Christianity)

Research paper thumbnail of Society of Biblical Literature_San Antonio (19/11/2023): "A Disabled Saint and True Beauty: The Voice of Mattidia in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies" (Panel: Christian Apocrypha)

Research paper thumbnail of Colloquium Biblicum Lovaniense LXXII - Early Christianity in Civic Space (President: John S. Kloppenborg; July 18-22, 2023): "Spaces of Paideia and the Public Eye in the Pseudo-Clementines" (July 18)

Research paper thumbnail of NASSCAL First Friday Workshop (May 5, 2023) - "A New Perspective on the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies as a Philosophical Novel"

Research paper thumbnail of Understanding the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies as a Late Ancient, Philosophical Novel (Série des conférences du département - Université d'Ottawa/Department Lecture Series - University of Ottawa; 28 February 2023)

Research paper thumbnail of Living philosophy in the Pseudo-Clementine Narrative (Rencontre de Bex du groupe romande de l'AELAC, vendredi 13 - samedi 14 janvier 2023)

Research paper thumbnail of "Discussing Matter and Evil in the Pseudo-Clementines - In Search of the True Christian Philosopher and His/Her Network? (Lectio International Conference: Networking through Biography, 7-9 December 2022, KULeuven)

, Der wiſte arzat der zerome ie geborn wart: the literary image of Emperor Gallienus (253-268) in... more , Der wiſte arzat der zerome ie geborn wart: the literary image of Emperor Gallienus (253-268) in the Germanic Kaiserchronik (12th c.) Catherine GAULLIER-BOUGASSAS (Lille, ERC AGRELITA), Écrire la vie de philosophes grecs en France du XIIIe à la première moitié du XVIe siècle: structures biographiques et constructions de réseaux intellectuels. 17.30 Reception

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However, the first member of the family who was surnamed Cicero seems to have been worthy of note... more However, the first member of the family who was surnamed Cicero seems to have been worthy of note, and for that reason his posterity did not reject the surname, but were fond of it, although many made it a matter of raillery. For "cicer" is the Latin name for chick-pea, and this ancestor of Cicero, as it would seem, had a faint dent in the end of his nose like the cleft of a chick-pea, from which he acquired his surname. Cicero himself, however, whose Life I now write, when he first entered public life and stood for office and his friends thought he ought to drop or change the name, is said to have replied with spirit that he would strive to make the name of Cicero more illustrious than such names as Scaurus or Catulus (klompvoeten/puppy) Cicero: leven en werk • Onderricht bij Griekse dichter Archias, Grieks rhetoricus Apollonius Molon, en Grieks Platonicus Philo van Larissa • Griekse en Romeinse cultuur • In 79: reis naar Griekenland, Asia Minor, Rhodos -verfijnen filosofische en retorische gaven (ook net tijd van Sulla) • Zeer invloedrijke stijl (gerekend onder groten als Demosthenes, …)

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The tension between papal political claims and those who refuse these claims (Important names/ter... more The tension between papal political claims and those who refuse these claims (Important names/terms: Zwei-Schwerter-Theorie, Gelasius I, Augustine of Hippo, Eusebius of Caesarea, Thomas van Aquino, Gilles of Rome, Bonifatius VIII, Clemens V, Dante, Marsilius Patavinus (+ Ambrogio Lorenzetti), Willem of Ockham)

Research paper thumbnail of Retoriek, narrativiteit en fictionalisering in de Apiondisputationen. In het oog van de Pseudo-Clementijnse waarheidsvortex.

This thesis offers a contribution to the scientific field of the Pseudo-Clementines, a unique, ea... more This thesis offers a contribution to the scientific field of the Pseudo-Clementines, a unique, early Christian novel (3rd-4th century), delivered in several versions. This contribution focuses on the Greek version of that novel, called the Homilies, and more specifically, on a much discussed part of those Homilies, namely the Apiondisputationen. The relevant passage in which the main character Clemens enters into discussion with the pagan Appion, shows us how those characters claim truth and argue about the true culture, philosophy, education, etc. This passage is all too often considered as ‘separate’ and ‘strange’ in the investigation into sources of the Pseudo-Clementines, making it underexposed territory in rhetorical and narrative, literary research, but also in philosophical research. This contribution wants to fill that gap. It offers a rhetorical and narrative analysis of the Apiondisputationen including some philosophical insights and some notions of the dynamics of fictionalization. In addition to that analysis, I consider this study as a building block for the overall reading experience and the total understanding of the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies.

Research paper thumbnail of Marta García Morcillo / James H. Richardson / Federico Santangelo (ed.), Ruin or Renewal? Places and the Transformation of Memory in the City of Rome (Latomus 77(3) 2018: 853-856)

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review Michel Henry Woorden Van Christus/Paroles du Christ

Book Review about Dutch translation of Michel Henry's Paroles du Christ.

Research paper thumbnail of Hans Alma en Johan Goud, Maar zie, ik heb lief! Eros in kunst en religie (English review).pdf